April 25, 2026 | 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Surprise Stadium, Surprise, AZ

Showcase Your Culinary Talent at the Taste of Surprise & Art Festival

Join one of the West Valley’s largest community events and put your restaurant in front of thousands of food lovers, influencers, and local business leaders. This is your chance to serve, compete, and be recognized.

Free to enter! Click the link below to let us know you're interested. We will be in touch with more information and requirements to participate.

Why Participate?

Massive Exposure

Thousands of attendees and media coverage

Marketing Power

Each restaurant will be included on our website and directory.

New Customers

Build loyal fans who discover your culinary creations at the event.

Community

Get to know your neighbors, meet local influencers

The People's Choice Award

The People’s Choice Award is the most sought-after title, chosen directly by event attendees. Throughout the festival, guests will sample dishes from participating restaurants and food vendors, then cast their votes for their absolute favorite.

Winning means:

✔ Bragging rights as the crowd favorite!

✔ Exclusive social media and website features to boost your brand.

✔ A People’s Choice trophy to display in your restaurant.

How to Win:

Serve up your best, most unforgettable dish.

Wow the crowd with taste, presentation, and personality!

Collect the most votes from attendees and take home the People’s Choice trophy!

Taste of Surprise & Art Festival — Restaurant FAQ

Taste of Surprise & Art Festival — Restaurant Participation FAQ

Saturday, April 25, 2026; 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM; Surprise Stadium, 15850 N. Bullard Ave, Surprise, AZ.

Sampling only; no sales. Attendance expected; 1,000 to 3,000 guests.

Event overview

What is it? An annual community event that showcases local restaurants and artists. Guests enjoy tastings and exhibits in the covered concourse of Surprise Stadium.

Where and when? April 25, 2026; 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM; Surprise Stadium. Booths are in the covered concourse.

Attendance Between 1,000 and 3,000 guests.

Registration and eligibility

  • Deadline Brick-and-mortar; March 1, 2026
  • Mobile or cottage food Applications considered after January 3, 2026
  • Pre-event meeting One required logistics meeting at Surprise Stadium

Participation details

Requirements

  • Prepare 1,200 to 1,500 food samples; final count confirmed 30 days prior
  • Sampling only; no sales on-site
  • Maricopa County Health Permit
  • General Business Liability Insurance; $1,000,000 minimum
  • Bring enough staff; share volunteer interest if applicable

What we provide

  • Space within Surprise Stadium
  • One 8-foot table and two chairs on request
  • Table signage; one banner hung on stadium fence
  • Program ad; website listing; scoreboard placement
  • Social media; local news; post-event promotion

Alcohol and VIP

No alcohol in the main food area. You may express interest in VIP wine tasting participation.

Sponsorship and placement

Sponsorship packages are available; these include access to better placement or booth locations.

Setup and logistics

  • Setup complete by 3:00 PM
  • Teardown starts at 7:30 PM; remain open for full event hours
  • Electricity; request one outlet at least 30 days before the event; bring extension cords
  • Shade; concourse is covered; no tents or extra shade provided
  • Cold chain; no on-site refrigeration or cold storage
  • Bring; handwashing station; serving and prep equipment; tablecloth; signage; marketing materials
  • Weather; extreme weather results in cancellation

Marketing and promotion

  • Website listing; event program ad; scoreboard placement
  • Social media features; local newspaper coverage
  • Post-event marketing opportunities
  • Cross-promote on your channels; encouraged
  • Bring menus; flyers; coupons; business cards; table tents; branded décor

Community impact

Proceeds fund books for local children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Contact

Email [email protected] with questions.

Electricity and placement requests must be submitted at least 30 days before the event.

© 2026 Taste of Surprise & Art Festival. All rights reserved.